Ukraine sports center continues training athletes amid wartime damage

About 350 young cross-country skiers and biathletes train at a government-run sports base near Chernihiv despite wartime damage and air-raid alerts; the center produced Ukraine's first Olympic medal and some athletes are preparing for the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics.

Young athletes train at the government-run Sports Ski Base of the Olympic Reserve on the outskirts of Chernihiv in northern Ukraine. The complex was damaged during the war, and training routines include responding to air-raid sirens and moving to an underground shelter when alerts sound. About 350 children and teenagers, including top junior cross-country skiers and biathletes, continue to practice in fenced areas around the facility. The center has a history of producing high-level competitors and some athletes from the base are preparing for the upcoming Winter Games. Known details: - Location: The Sports Ski Base of the Olympic Reserve is on the outskirts of Chernihiv and remains open for cross-country skiing and biathlon. - Participation: Approximately 350 children and teens train at the complex, using snow trails in winter and roller-ski tracks at other times. - Safety routines: Training sessions are regularly interrupted by air-raid sirens; athletes and coaches move to an underground shelter during alerts. - Legacy and competition: The center produced Ukraine's first Olympic medalist and current trainees include athletes preparing for the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics. Summary: Training at the Chernihiv sports base shows ongoing commitment to sport amid wartime disruptions and continued use of the facility by young skiers and biathletes. Some athletes from the center are headed to international competition, while the longer-term status of the complex and its programs is undetermined at this time.